This record provides an overview of the scope of the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub project "Identification of near-shore habitats of juvenile white sharks in south-western Australia". No data outputs were generated by this project. -------------------- In 2018, CSIRO provided the first estimate of adult abundance for the southern-western Australian white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) population. At the time, total population abundance could not be estimated because of limited information on the juvenile life-history stage. This project investigated whether juvenile white sharks from this population use near-shore habitats near the head of the Great Australian Bight. It investigated credible anecdotal evidence of juvenile white shark presence in the region and was designed as a pilot study to inform future survey and project development. The project reviewed existing sources of evidence and undertook unmanned aerial vehicle (AUV) surveys in near-shore habitats within and around the Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park. Thirty-five UAV flights were completed during 2018 and 2019, covering approximately 7.5 km². No white sharks were identified in the UAV footage, although several other marine species and shorebirds were observed. Additional evidence from scientific surveys indicated that the Head of Bight and surrounding marine park areas may be important habitat for white sharks across multiple life stages. The project included engagement with the Yalata Land Management Indigenous Ranger team, who were consulted during project planning and survey activities. The findings informed future project development by assessing the value of further on-water activities, expanded UAV surveys and targeted monitoring in the Great Australian Bight region.

This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Research Plan 2024 project "Grey Nurse Shark aggregations". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Grey nurse sharks (Carcharias taurus) are protected in Australian Commonwealth waters. Under the EPBC Act, the eastern Australian population is listed as Critically Endangered, while the western Australian population is listed as Vulnerable. The species aggregates at particular sites along migration routes, but existing definitions and criteria for “key aggregation sites” require refinement to support consistent assessment across eastern and western Australia. This project collated existing information on recognised grey nurse shark aggregation sites and potential new sites where sharks have been observed to gather. It reviewed occupancy patterns, existing survey evidence and western population data to refine the definition of a key aggregation site and develop criteria for assessing whether sites should be listed, delisted or prioritised for further investigation. Field and data activities focused on areas where information was limited or where potential new aggregation sites had been identified. These included surveys in Victorian waters near Corner Inlet using ROV and eDNA methods in partnership with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation; community engagement with dive, fishing and freediving groups to improve reporting of observations; an initial BRUV survey of a reef system in Commonwealth waters in Hunter Marine Park; expanded acoustic receiver coverage at Barwon Banks in Queensland; and review of potential aggregation sites in Western Australia. The project outputs provided Commonwealth and state management agencies with a clearer, more defensible basis for identifying and assessing grey nurse shark aggregation sites. The resulting information supported consistent evaluation of existing and potential sites, prioritisation of future surveys, and improved conservation planning for both eastern and western grey nurse shark populations. Outputs • Spatial information on key Grey Nurse Shark aggregation sites [dataset] • Final project report [written]